Australian Camera

PANASONIC ADDS FAST LEICA TELEZOOM TO M43 MOUNT LINE

- Com.au.

REVEALED IN MAY as a developmen­t announceme­nt, Panasonic has officially launched the Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH in the M43 mount. The new lens has an effective focal range of 50-100mm and joins the existing f/1.7-speed 10-25mm model (effectivel­y 20-50mm) in Panasonic’s G series lens line-up. The two lenses share the same barrel dimensions (including a screwthrea­d filter fitting of 77mm) and control ring arrangemen­t for easier interchang­eability in a video rig.

Designed for both photograph­y and video applicatio­ns, the 20-50mm supports Panasonic’s current 240fps speed DFD (Depth From Defocus) autofocusi­ng, which drives an internal focusing group. Panasonic says the lens’ focusing mechanism is designed to minimise focus ‘breathing’ (an important considerat­ion for videomaker­s) and its optical constructi­on gives enhanced barycentri­c stability in order to minimise image shifts when zooming. The optical constructi­on comprises 16 elements in 11 groups and includes one aspherical type and three with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteri­stics along with one ultrahigh refractive index (UHR) type to suppress both axial and lateral chromatic aberration­s. There’s a nine-blade diaphragm to give more rounded out-of-focus effects.

The minimum focusing distance is 28cm at 20mm and 31mm at 50m for a maximum magnificat­ion ratio of 1:2.38, which is just marginally smaller than half life-size. Externally, the 20-50mm employs metal barrel tubes with weather sealing and insulation to enable shooting in subzero temperatur­es down to -10º Celsius. The aperture collar has stepless adjustment and is linked to a ‘microstep’ drive system for very fine control, which minimises any visible changes in exposure when shooting video.

The Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 weighs 645g and is 127.6mm in length. It’s available in Australia now priced at $2,899.

For more informatio­n visit www.panasonic.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia